A local youth group hopes to fly into bluer skies as it embarks on a major fundraiser.
The 724 Midland Lions Air Cadet Squadron is now involved with the Air Cadet League of Canada OPC annual fundraising lottery, which has to take the place of all other traditional fundraising efforts like tag days and bottle drives that have been restricted by the Department of National Defence due to COVID-19, thereby restricting all regular events for cadet squadrons across Canada.
But the fundraising hurdles represent a smaller piece of the puzzle when it comes to the local squadron.
“This has been one of the most challenging years we have ever experienced!” said Kathy Hawkins, chair of the 724 Squadron’s sponsoring committee.
“We have lost the ability to meet with cadets and staff, to plan interesting and engaging outdoor training, cancelling most of our optional activities; the list goes on and on.”
As well, Hawkins noted they’ve also had to update computers in order to be able to offer limited training in a virtual world.
“We have all had to become ‘Zoom experts' in order to stay connected with our cadets and staff.”
There are currently about 30 cadets enrolled with the squadron.
“Typically about 20 of them join us each week in our virtual training,” Hawkins said. “Our typical enrolment would be around 50.”
And it’s not just training, that’s been virtual, according to Hawkins.
“Everything has been virtual,” she said. “Weekly parades ... virtual. Staff meetings and sponsoring committee meetings .... virtual. Special training activities .... virtual. Annual ceremonial review ..... virtual. Summer training .... virtual. The kids and staff are getting tired of just doing virtual training.”
And that brings us back to the fundraiser, which Hawkins said is vitally important since her committee has to raise about $50,000 annually to operate the unit.
“Even though our program has gone virtual, we still have fixed expenses (such as rent) and we have to be financially prepared when regular training resumes. The OPC lottery helps us raise funds to cover these fixed operating costs. It also helps to support the Air Cadet League (Ontario) to provide training in some areas like the operation of our fleet of tow aircraft and gliders."
There are $70,000 in cash prizes this year, including an early bird prize of $5,000. Early bird tickets must be purchased by April 1.
The regular draw takes place on April 30 with a grand prize of $20,000 as well as two prizes of $10,000, four prizes of $5,000 and five prizes of $1,000. Tickets cost $10 each and can be purchased online.
